Welcome back everyone. Last we left off the battle between Ash and Diantha had begun, with Diantha taking an early lead. Now we will discover the outcome of that battle. Will Ash manage a victory, or is the champion of the Kalos Region to much for him to handle. All will be revealed in the chapter below. Enjoy.
The battle between Ash and Diantha may have only just started, but it was already considered one of the most intense battles the league had seen. Diantha had gained an early lead by defeating Ash's Lapras with her Tyrantrum. But the match was far from over and Ash was determined to win no matter what. He returned his Lapras, congratulated it on its effort then selected his next Pokémon.
"Well Diantha, time to face a native of your own region," stated Ash.
Diantha raised an eyebrow as Ash threw his next pokéball.
"Goodra I choose you!" yelled Ash.
Ash's large purple dragon pokémon appeared.
Diantha said nothing, but held out her pokéball.
"Tyrantrum return and have a rest," Tyrantrum returned to its ball. Diantha pocketed it and brought out another.
Ash was unsure what Diantha was up to. The best he could figure was that she wanted to give Tyrantrum a rest, as it had taken a lot of damage from the fight with Lapras.
"Let's make this fight interesting. Goodra go," she called throwing her new pokéball.
Another Goodra appeared before them.
"So it's Goodra vs Goodra?" questioned Ash.
"I'd like to see which is stronger," answered Diantha.
"Very well," smirked Ash before pointing. "Goodra, use Dragon Pulse."
"Counter with your own Dragon Pulse," ordered Dianta.
Both Goodra's fired beams of purple energy at each other. Most were expecting Diantha's Goodra to easily over power Ash's so were surprised when the moves cancelled each other out. When the dust cleared Diantha decided to go on the offensive. She'd heard what the intense Stralian sun did to fire type attacks so decided to use that to her advantage.
"Goodra use Fire Blast," ordered Diantha, throwing her arm up.
Goodra shot a star-shaped fire attack twice as strong as normal due to the intense sun.
"Goodra dodge," ordered Ash desperately.
Due to Goodra's size this wasn't easy, but thankfully it managed to jump out of the way just before the blast hit.
"Making use of this Region's sun I see," commented Ash.
"Doesn't take a genius to figure out that this is the perfect place for Fire Trainers," stated Diantha.
"Yeah well that advantage is only available while the sun is out," stated Ash. "Goodra Rain Dance."
Goodra started dancing and it started raining over the entire stadium, temporarily blocking out the intense heat of the sun.
"Smart move Ash, but it'll take more than a little rain to beat me," claimed Diantha.
"Funny, the rain's what you should be worrying about the most," stated Ash before pointing to the sky. "Goodra Ice Beam."
"Nice try Ash, but while you may have weakened my fire attacks, your Ice Beam is no match for my Fire Blast, all you'll do is waste energy," stated Diantha.
"Who says I'm aiming for your Goodra," countered Ash.
Ash's Goodra pointed its head at the sky and fired its Ice into the oncoming raindrops. Suddenly icy daggers descended upon Diantha's Goodra causing a lot of damage.
"Impressive, he's using the weather to his advantage," thought Diantha.
"Now use Dragon Pulse while its distracted," ordered Ash with a clenched fist.
Distracted by the oncoming frozen rain drops, Diantha's Goodra was defenceless and was hit by another beam of purple energy causing even greater damage.
When the attack ceased Diantha's Goodra appeared defeated, but managed to stand up before it was too late.
"Not bad Ash, but we're not through yet," said Diantha as her Goodra got back into fighting position.
"I'd expect nothing less from a champion," countered Ash.
Diantha decided it was time to truly see how strong Ash was by bringing out the big guns. She pointed forward and said, "Goodra Focus Blast."
Diantha's Goodra heighted its mental focus and unleashed a powerful blast of energy.
"Counter with Dragon Pulse," ordered Ash with a clenched fist.
Ash's Goodra fired another beam of purple energy which made contact with Diantha's attack. For a moment the two attacks struggled for dominance, but in the end Focus Blast proved more powerful. It shot through the Dragon Pulse and hit Ash's Goodra. The attack damaged Ash's Goodra which was blasted to the ground and struggled to stand.
"Now before they can recover use Focus Blast again," ordered Diantha hoping this would win her another round.
Ash had a feeling that neither Ice Beam nor Dragon Pulse would be strong enough to over power Focus Blast. They only had one option left.
"Goodra use Bide," ordered Ash, clenching both fists.
Ash's Goodra stood up and took the Focus Blast head on. After the attack Goodra's body started glowing with red energy. Diantha knew she'd have to end this on her next turn, because if Ash's Goodra could survive just one more hit it would deal double the damage it had taken on Diantha's own Goodra. Knowing her next move would decide the outcome of the round Diantha decided to make sure she could do as much damage as possible.
"Focus Blast and give it everything you've got," she ordered.
Diantha's Goodra fired one more blast at Ash's Goodra who took the attack without even flinching. Ash's Goodra had taken a lot of damage, but by some miracle it was still standing.
"Now, unleash your energy," ordered Ash pointing at Diantha's Goodra.
Ash's Goodra shot an enormous beam of white energy, twice as powerful as the attacks it had taken from Diantha's Goodra. The attack hit Diantha's Goodra and once over the powerful pokémon fell to the ground unconscious.
"Diantha's Goodra is unable to battle, the round goes to Ash and his Goodra," announced the Referee.
Before Ash could celebrate his own Goodra also fell to the ground. It had taken too much damage and had used up all its energy during that last attack.
"Ash's Goodra is also unable to battle. The round is a draw," announced the Referee.
Both Ash and Diantha presented the pokéballs that housed their Goodra's and ordered them to return.
"Impressive Ash, you've definitely grown much stronger since the last time I saw you," commented Diantha.
"Thanks, that means a lot coming from you," said Ash.
"But you know what they say a battle isn't over till its over," stated Diantha, before throwing her next ball. "Tyrantrum go."
The pokémon she had used to win the first round reappeared before her.
"That was a big mistake, Diantha. You'll need a pokémon at full strength if you want to defeat my next pokémon," said Ash presenting his final pokéball.
"Oh and what pokémon is that?" queried Diantha.
"One that has helped me win countless battles, one that's the pride and joy of my fire gym, one that has taken on legendries and won," claimed Ash while holding the pokéball high in the air.
All of Ash's friends knew what he would choose next. Even some of the traitors knew what was coming.
"Charizard, I CHOOSE YOU," yelled Ash throwing the ball to the stadium.
The mighty fire type that resembled a dragon appeared before them and stared down Diantha's Tyrantrum.
"Impressive Ash, but you've made a foolish mistake," claimed Diantha. "That's a Fire/Flying type and Tyrantrum's a Rock/Dragon type. No matter how impressive Charizard may be, I still have the advantage."
"Not if my Charizard knows the right moves and sadly for you it does," stated Ash. "Charizard, Seismic Toss."
Charizard flew at Tyrantrum with incredible speed.
"Dodge," ordered Diantha, but Charizard was too quick.
Charizard grabbed Tyrantrum and carried it into the air. Charizard flew around in circles a few times before throwing Tyrantrum to the ground. Tyrantrum landed with great impact while Charizard flew safely back to the ground.
Tyrantrum didn't even try to stand up, it was out cold once.
"Tyrantrum is unable to battle, the round goes to Ash and his Charizard," announced the Referee.
And just like that they were each down to their final pokémon. Goodra's rain dance had worn off and the intense sun came out.
Diantha returned her Tyrantrum and thanked it for fighting as hard as it did. She also had to admit she was impressed with Ash's strength. When they first met her strength far exceeded his and now, they were fighting as equals. Having always believed Ash was innocent, Diantha was pleased Ash had been given the chance to grow as a trainer. She was also glad he had been given the opportunity to show his strength during a match where no one could accuse him of cheating, as his pokémon had been tested prior to the battle commencing. She would truly have to push Ash to his limits if he wanted to prove his strength to the world, and she had just the pokémon to do that.
"You've fought well Ash, but now it's time to see if you're worthy of battling a champion," said Diantha presenting her final pokéball. "Gardevoir go."
Diantha's trump card, her mighty Gardevoir appeared before her.
"And just to make this battle extra hard, Gardevoir mega evolve," ordered Diantha.
Diantha's Gardevoir covered itself in energy and emerged as a far more powerful creature in its mega form.
Ash however wasn't afraid, he was smiling.
"Diantha thank you," stated Ash.
"For what," she asked confused.
"A victory over you wouldn't feel earnt unless you gave it everything you had. That being said, not only am I not afraid of your Mega Gardevoir, but I'm going to deliberately give myself a disadvantage to make my victory greater," declared Ash before showing a bracelet on his wrist that had a key stone. "Charizard Mega Evolve."
Charizard covered itself with the same energy Gardevoir had and emerged a far stronger creature then before. Charizard's orange body turned black, its tail flame was blue, with additional blue flames coming from its mouth. Charizard had become Mega Charizard X, meaning it had been holding a Charizardite X stone.
"I'm amazed they have mega stones in this region," commented Diantha.
"There are a lot of mines in this region!" explained Ash. "You'd be surprised by what they've been able to find."
Ash's decision to Mega Evolve his Charizard had been met with mixed results among the crowd. Many were laughing at Ash for making such a foolish decision. Mega Charizard X, while a lot stronger than a regular Charizard, was a Dragon Type, which were weak against Fairy Types like Gardevoir. There were some in the crowd however, who were amazed that Ash's Charizard could mega evolve at all. Mega evolution required a trainer to have a strong bond with their pokémon. If Ash was the cheater and pokémon abuser Professor Oak claimed he was, how could he have a strong enough bond with his pokémon to achieve mega evolution? This made many question whether the accusations made against him had been true.
Diantha on the other hand was impressed by Ash's decision, because she agreed with his reason for doing so. If he could defeat her Mega Gardevoir with this type of disadvantage, it would help prove to the world, that not only is he a strong trainer, but he also has a strong bond with his pokémon.
"There's one thing that no one can deny about you Ash, you have a lot of guts," stated Diantha. "And while it was a bold move on your part, putting yourself at such a disadvantage will be your last mistake."
"We'll see," said Ash.
"Indeed we will," said Diantha before pointing and ordering. "Gardevoir Moon Blast.
Drawing power from the moon, Gardevoir created a ball of pinkish red energy which she shot directly at Charizard. If this Fairy type move hit, it would do a lot of damage to a Dragon Type like Mega Charizard X.
"Dodge by flying," ordered Ash throwing an arm to the sky.
Charizard flew up high and the attack missed.
Diantha pointed to the sky, "Knock it out of the sky with Thunder Bolt."
"Evade again," ordered Ash.
Charizard moved out of the way just before the Thunderbolt hit.
"That's some impressive speed Ash, but you can't win this match with dodging," stated Diantha.
"I don't plan to," stated Ash. "Charizard Flamethrower."
Charizard opened its mouth and fired the most intense Flamethrower Diantha had ever seen. Not only was the intensity increased from the harsh sun, but being a Mega Charizard X, the flames were blue and more powerful than regular fire.
"Counter with Moon Blast," ordered Diantha.
Gardevoir launched another reddish pink ball of energy that collided with the flames. They fought for dominance, but the strength of the flames was too much, and they overpowered the moon blast. Gardevoir took a direct hit from Charizard's flamethrower.
Gardevoir was still standing, but she had clearly taken a lot of damage.
"Now use Steel Wing, before they can recover," ordered Ash, swiping his arm downwards.
Charizard's wings started to glow turning them to steel. He flew towards Gardevoir prepared to strike with his mighty steel wings. Since Gardevoir was a Fairy Type, this attack would do a lot of damage if they hit. Diantha, however wasn't going to let that happen.
"I don't think so, Gardevoir use Psychic," ordered Diantha.
Gardevoir eyes glowed stopping Charizard mid-flight. He hovered in mid-air for a few seconds struggling to break free, before Gardevoir used her psychic powers to throw him against the wall.
"Now use Moon Blast before it can stand," ordered Diantha.
Gardevoir launched yet another reddish pink ball of energy in Charizard's direction and this one hit as Charizard was struggling to stand. It appeared Diantha had won the match, as Charizard wasn't moving.
"Charizard is unable to…" the referee trailed off as Charizard stood. The match wasn't over just yet, but it was clear that Charizard wouldn't last much longer.
"Finish it off with Moon Blast," ordered Diantha knowing that one more direct hit would mean victory for her.
"Fly up high," ordered Ash.
Charizard took to the sky again, narrowly avoiding the hit from another Moon Blast.
"Do you really think I'm gonna fall for the same trick twice?" asked Diantha unimpressed by Ash's repetition.
"It doesn't matter whether you fall for it, because this next attack will be too strong for you to stop," declared Ash. "Charizard Flamethrower."
Charizard fired another stream of intense blue fire directly at Gardevoir.
"Stop it with psychic," ordered Diantha knowing the attack must be stopped by any means.
Gardevoir's eyes glowed again and stopped the stream of fire in its tracks. For a second it appeared Gardevoir would be successful in redirecting the attack right back at Charizard. The concentration required to stop the fire was too much, Gardevoir lost focus, and the flamethrower landed another direct hit.
When the flames cleared, Gardevoir was laying on the ground barely conscious.
"Use Flamethrower again, but do so while flying towards Gardevoir," ordered Ash pointing at the nearly defeated pokémon.
Charizard let off another Flamethrower, but this time he flew towards Gardevoir while delivering the attack. Gardevoir could do little to defend herself as the attack hit.
When Charizard was only a few feet away from Gardevoir, Ash decided it was time to deliver the move that would win the match for Ash.
"Now, Steele Wing," ordered Ash.
Charizard's wings turned metal and struck Gardevoir before she had a chance to react. Charizard landed on Ash's side of the field ready to attack again if Gardevoir could still fight.
As Ash predicted however, Steele Wing had ended it. Gardevoir reverted back to her regular form as she lay on the ground unconscious.
"Gardevoir is unable to battle, the match goes to Ash Ketchum of the Stralia Region," announced the referee.
Ash jumped in excitement. He'd done it, he'd defeated a league champion, showing that not only was he a strong trainer, but he was an honest one.
Diantha smiled at Ash's victory. Not only had he defeated her, he had done it honestly, which was the biggest victory Ash could ask for.
There were those in the crowd however, who were infuriated by Ash's victory. Boos and hisses came from the stands, with many shouting accusations that there was no way someone like him could defeat a league champion. Some were also arguing that Ash's victory meant nothing, as this was only a three-on-three battle and not a six-on-six battle like most battles with champions. Officials did their best to calm the crowd down, by reminding them that Ash's pokémon were tested before every battle, so there's no way he could have cheated. Furthermore, this was a battle in the early rounds of the Stralia Region Pokémon League and not a battle to challenge Diantha's position as Kalos Champion. Ash had won according to the rules of the League, meaning while he hadn't taken Diantha's title of Kalos Champion, he had eliminated her from the Stralia League.
Doing her best to ignore the crowd, Diantha returned her Gardevoir and approached Ash. Many were yelling for her to berate Ash for his 'cheating', and while he may have beaten her here, he'd never be able to take her title of Kalos Champion or become a Pokémon Master.
To everyone's surprise, she extended her hand to shake his.
"Congratulations Ash, you beat me fair and square," she said without a hint of anger or resentment. "Regardless, of what you've done, it was an honour to battle someone as strong as you. It's just a shame that you're prohibited from participating in another league, because I'd be eager to see how you'd fare in a full six-on-six battle against me in the Kalos League. For all I know you'd probably take my title, but after today I know you would've earnt it."
People couldn't believe what they were hearing. Was a great champion like Diantha really congratulating a disgraceful 'cheater' like Ash?
Diantha had more to say.
"I repeat, it's truly a shame we can't face each other in the Kalos League, but who knows maybe new truths will be revealed in the future," she winked at him, as a sign to say that she hoped he was successful in his mission to clear his name.
Ash smiled and shook Diantha's hand.
"Your words mean a lot Diantha. I too hope that one day we can face each other in the Kalos League."
Diantha nodded and left the stadium without another word. The stadium quietened, after Diantha's words to Ash. Stralia residents were cheering over one of their citizens defeating a champion, while still others felt differently. Some were reiterating they thought Ash had cheated. There were others however, who were deep in thought about what had occurred during the match. They knew they couldn't claim Ash had cheated, because his pokémon had been tested before the match and come back clean. It was a fact that Ash had fought an honest battle. They also had to remember that Ash had managed to get one of his pokémon to mega evolve. This could only be accomplished if a trainer had a strong bond with their pokémon. If Ash had really abused his pokémon like Professor Oak claimed, there was no way he could have a strong bond with them. This made them question if the accusations made against Ash all those years ago had been true.
Ash's former friends were still of the mind that he had cheated. All except for May. Knowing the truth, she wanted to go down and congratulate Ash, but she knew she couldn't. He would reject her and accuse her of lying if she'd told him what she'd heard. All May could do was pretend to agree with the traitors until she figured out a way to tell Ash that she wanted to help him. In the meantime, however, there was no one she could confide in, which made her feel alone and scared about what she could do to make up for what she'd done.
Thanks for reading. Ash has proven himself strong enough to battle with a champion and he has done so honestly and not through disgraceful means. He has also proven that the bond with his Pokémon is strong enough to achieve mega evolution, further putting the accusations against him into question. Will this be enough to convince the crowd of his innocence? Only time will tell.
Please let me know what you think, all feedback is greatly appreciated. And I want to say thankyou again to katanaeyegaming for helping with this chapter.
